On the fifth anniversary of the Beirut port explosion, President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed the Lebanese state’s commitment to uncovering the full truth behind the deadly blast and holding all those responsible accountable, “regardless of their positions or affiliations.”
In a statement released on Monday, August 4, President Aoun described the explosion as a “heinous crime that shook the conscience of the nation and the world,” recalling the lives of more than 200 people lost, thousands injured, and entire neighborhoods destroyed in the Lebanese capital.
"On this painful day, we commemorate together the fifth anniversary of the Beirut port explosion, a tragedy that devastated our beloved capital. Five years on, we stand before the souls of the martyrs, the wounded and their families, and before all Lebanese, to affirm that justice will not die and accountability is inevitable," Aoun said.
The president emphasized that since the start of his mandate, pursuing justice in this case has been a top priority. “I pledged to the Lebanese people that holding those responsible for this disaster – through negligence, misconduct, or corruption – would remain a priority. No one should escape justice.”
Aoun stressed that the Lebanese state, through all its institutions, is committed to uncovering the whole truth, “despite all obstacles and regardless of how high the positions of those involved may be.” He added: “Justice knows no exceptions, and the law applies to everyone without discrimination.”
The president called on the relevant authorities to accelerate the stalled investigation, pledging that pressure will continue to be exerted. “We are working through all available means to ensure that the investigation proceeds with transparency and integrity,” he said. “We will keep pressing all concerned parties to bring every perpetrator to justice.”
Addressing the families of the victims and the wounded, he declared: “The blood of your loved ones was not shed in vain. Your pain will not go unanswered. Justice is coming.”
President Aoun also paid tribute to the Lebanese people’s resilience and unity in the aftermath of the explosion. “We also remember today the extraordinary solidarity shown by our great people, the national spirit that emerged in our darkest hour, as many rushed to help the wounded, clear the rubble, and care for those left homeless,” he said.
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